A long distance connection

Right before I deployed to Romania about 8 months ago, I attended the More Conference. It was so powerful and impacted me so much, and it really hit me how much I was going to miss this family. After deploying, I messaged back and forth with a couple guys from the Dwelling and listened to the Dwelling podcasts, but I really missed the connection and relationships that I built every Sunday worshiping and talking and just hanging out. It's not that I was in a dark place spiritually, but I had a piece of me that ached every Sunday to be home, walking through those AMC theater doors with my wife, connecting with friends and strangers and being ushered into the throne room of God. Man I missed it.

And then COVID hit. Now I'm not going to say I'm so thankful and that the coronavirus doesn't suck - my brother's father-in-law passed away from it and that's a whole different story - but I will say that I am thankful for the connection that the coronavirus brought. I am thankful for the Dwelling online every Sunday. If you play a part in the production of the Dwelling online, I am so thankful for you. I am thankful for the worship team and for Pastor Gunter and for everyone who tunes in each week, because for me that is connection. When I am struggling to keep going (and there are those days), I always know that I have Sunday to look forward to. Special shoutout to Micah Mills who is always on the live stream throwing out encouragement and "Likes" to everyone who will take them. I love you guys, and I love that I can be a part of the Dwelling and worship at the exact same time as people on the other side of the world.

All that being said - I can't wait to be home. I can't wait to worship in person with my Dwelling fam, a sentiment I'm sure anyone reading this who attends the Dwelling shares. But I am so thankful for the Dwelling online. I know right now, with all the dark stuff happening around the world it's easy to get lost in the darkness. But the darkness makes it that much easier to see the light. So to those who are being light but not sure if anyone sees (I am now preaching to myself) - keep being the light. We see. The world sees. It's hard when you don't get recognition but know this - you will receive all the recognition you need when you hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

I love you guys and can't wait to see you soon. Until then - see you online! - Neal